Sherwin's ton sees him back in the groove

YOU can't keep a good man down. And, after failing to reach double figures in two innings last weekend, West Indian Test ace, Sherwin Campbell got back in the groove with a magnificent century on Saturday, as Heywood picked up five points in a 10-wicket victory over Ashton.

YOU can't keep a good man down. And, after failing to reach double figures in two innings last weekend, West Indian Test ace, Sherwin Campbell got back in the groove with a magnificent century on Saturday, as Heywood picked up five points in a 10-wicket victory over Ashton.

With Norden and Walsden also winning, maximum points were crucial to maintain Heywood's 12-point lead at the top of the Lake Garage Central Lancashire League.

Ashton were invited to bat first, and with only one run on the board, Will Purser, currently topping the amateur bowling averages, bowled Zaman, bringing Ashton's pro, Ridee, to the crease. Andy Taylor, second only to Purser in the league bowling averages, then produced a bit of magic as he succeeded in deflecting a fierce drive from Ridee onto the stumps at the bowler's end, leaving the dangerous Jon Selby stranded out of his ground as Ashton slipped to 15 for two.

Ridee was joined by Ashton's overseas amateur, Wijesinghe, and both players began to play shots. With the score on 37, Purser struck again as he castled Ridee for 16.

At this stage, a bit of complacency set in. Heywood's outfielding has been first class this season, but as Wijesinghe began to display his full range of strokes, and with able support from Hussain, Heywood made a number of uncharacteristic errors as Ashton set about upping the run rate.

The drinks interval allowed Heywood to regroup, and with Ashton's batsmen taking a series of risky singles, it was only a matter of time before a run out opportunity was seized upon. With the score on 105, Campbell made the most of some poor calling to run out Hussain for 16.

Thirteen runs later, an alert Phil Dawson ensured that another bout of poor running between the wickets was punished as R Hussain was run out for eight.

By now Wijesinghe's eye was well and truly in, and he was batting fluently, with excellent support from Yousaf. However, with the partnership on 52, Chris Kaye made a breakthrough as he trapped Yousaf lbw for 22. Wijesinghe reached his century, but with four wickets left and overs to spare, Ashton looked like setting a target of at least 240.

However, this Heywood side never knows when to lie down, and they rallied again, led by Rob Slawson, who had Wijesinghe, on 102, caught by Dawson with the total on 197. Chris Kaye dismissed Coles, and then with the score on 202, Ashton's last two wickets fell to Slawson, both stumped by Jonny Shaw - the final wicket falling with two balls left.

Ridee and Zaman opened the attack for Ashton, and presented Royce Blight and Campbell with few scoring opportunities, as the batsmen struggled to score at much more than three runs an over.

The direction of the match changed dramatically when Ashton's second string bowlers were introduced. Five different bowlers were tried, but none of them was able to restrain Blight and Campbell as they were hit out of the attack in turn.

Blight was the first to reach 50, but once Campbell had reached his own half century, he cut loose to thrill the crowd with some magnificent shots all round the wicket, including a cheeky reverse sweep for four.

After 25 overs, Heywood were on 104, half way to their target, but such was the ferocity of the assault, the next 100 runs came in just over 13 overs as Campbell raced to his third century of the season.

The match finished with over 11 overs to spare, Campbell ending up with 116 not out and Royce Blight undefeated on 81.

The second team comfortably defeated Ashton, with Joey O'Neill making his maiden 50 for the team, Steven Cheetham and Mark Kenny also making some useful runs, and the evergreen Rick Purser capturing four wickets.

This Sunday, at Scott Street, is the venue for a vital top of the table clash when second placed Walsden are the opponents, in what promises to be a terrific fixture. A Heywood victory in Yorkshire could reduce the championship to a two-horse race.

On Saturday, John Rhodes, from Heywood Magic Market, and friends, will be sponsoring the match at Crimble against Werneth, a team whose lowly position in the league doesn't reflect the talented players they have in their side. With their professional, Mark Vermeulen running into form, and with Darren Shadford, Alan Durose and JP Lee in the runs, they will provide a stern test.